For the first time, biologists have documented gorillas in the wild using simple tools, such as poking a stick in a swampy pool of water to check its depth.

Until now, scientists had seen gorillas use tools only in captivity. Among the great apes, tool use in the wild was thought to be a survival skill reserved for smaller chimpanzees and orangutans.

The research in the Republic of Congo's rainforests was led by Thomas Breuer of the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo, which released details of his study. Breuer is in Africa and was not immediately available for an interview.

"This is a truly astounding discovery," he said in a statement. "Tool usage in wild apes provides us with valuable insights into the evolution of our own species and the abilities of other species."

Here's a picture of one using tools

Wait, no actually this is the picture here below. Not fair to compare something so dimwitted to intelligent beasts like the Gorillas

8. I read that. There are buttheads galore. Ignore them. It works wonders.

It is great that they finally got it on tape though. I have always suspected they use tools. Even otters use tools, really. Scientists are sometimes the dumb ones, , for not noticing any sooner than they do.

Seriously though, I have wondered what else they do myself. Even my cats seem to have a "language" when they talk to each other and to me. I think truth be told, the gorillas are more like us that we ( the human species in general) are willing to admit.

LOL. I think it's funny actually. Gorillas are using tools and we are devolving (if you pay attention to how people march in lock step behind chimpy and plastic heart guy). It's sad really. I wonder if the gorillas would consider adopting me.

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